Luckily, Sanford was not affected much by the recent Tropical Storm Eta. However, we are not always so lucky. We thought today would be a great time to inform locals how to prepare for a weather emergency and more specifically how a generator can really come in handy.
Be ready for weather emergencies:
When you turn on the local news and see a tropical storm is heading your way, it is crunch time. Plenty of questions run through our heads as homeowners, renters, and parents.
What should you do? What should you buy, and what do you already have? It is time to prepare for the worst and hope for the best.
Here is how you can confirm your weather emergency readiness. First off, make sure you have medications for at least a month. If your medications require refrigeration, speak to Sanford Electric Company II about generators and installation.
Experienced electricians can share all about generator safety and explain which one is right for your needs. Budget is always a key factor when choosing a generator, so explore all of your options carefully with knowledgeable professionals.
Making a “go bag”:
Electricians are aware of the energy loads of homes and businesses which is vital for choosing an adequate powered generator. After you have your medications stocked up, make a “go bag“. These bags can include the following:
- clothes
- sunscreen
- first-aid kit
- water
- non-perishable food items
- at least seven days of prescription medications
- copy of health insurance card
- list of medications with schedule
- mosquito repellant
- water purification tablets
- scissors
- tweezers
- thermometer
Prepare your home for an evacuation:
Next, get your home ready for an evacuation. In coastal areas, evacuations may happen more often than here in Sanford. Nonetheless, you can never be too prepared.
For Tropical Storm Eta, mandatory evacuations were discussed as the storm approached. In Miami, a state of emergency was declared by Mayor Carlos A. Gimenez. When preparing your home for an evacuation, take stock of what’s inside and outside for insurance purposes.
Walk around the house, record, or take pictures of all items you own. Take those photos or whatever device that has this documentation. Be thorough with your documentation. Do not stop with big-ticket items.
Document the following items carefully:
- televisions
- large appliances
- jewelry
- firearms
- cameras
- expensive items
- vehicles
- tools
- furniture
- collectors items
- art
- clothing
- cookware
In the aftermath of a storm, it may be hard for you to remember everything you own to report lost or damaged. After all, your things may not be where you left them. Taking inventory after the fact may be impossible.
Because weather emergency readiness has a long list of to-dos, it is in your best interest to get prepared a little bit at a time throughout the year. Contact our family-owned business with any questions you may have!
Staff Writer
